NASCAR Tries To Break Up Talladega 2-car Tandems

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) NASCAR has made two rule changes for next month’s race at Talladega Superspeedway that should limit the length of time two cars can draft together.

The restrictor plates used in the Oct. 23 race will be larger. The change should lead to an increase of horsepower that could make the cars 2 to 3 mph faster.

NASCAR also ordered an adjustment on a pressure relief valve that should lower the maximum water temperature in engines. A threat of overheating could prevent cars from staying hooked together for too long.

Drivers discovered over the last year that it’s faster to run in two-car tandems. Fans have been lukewarm about the tandem racing, and drivers have complained it’s impossible to see when they are pushing another car.